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CNAR 2023 Pre-Conference Workshops (October 16th, 2023) feature interactive and informative sessions from our valued partners: Steinecke Maciura LeBlanc, PSI Services, Barker Hutchinson & Associates, Field Law, Pivotal Research and World Education Services. Session descriptions for these are below, as well as CNAR’s historically well-received Fundamentals in Regulation and highly-anticipated Master Class (individual A.M. and P.M. sessions offered, as well as a full-day option is available for Master Class). All sessions will be held in-person in Vancouver, BC; Affiliate pricing listed below.
CNAR 2023 Pre-Conference Workshops (October 16th, 2023) feature interactive and informative sessions from our valued partners: Steinecke Maciura LeBlanc, PSI Services, Barker Hutchinson & Associates, Field Law, Pivotal Research and World Education Services. Session descriptions for these are below, as well as CNAR’s historically well-received Fundamentals in Regulation and highly-anticipated Master Class (individual A.M. and P.M. sessions offered, as well as a full-day option is available for Master Class). All sessions will be held in-person in Vancouver, BC; Affiliate pricing listed below.
Cancellation Policy: Please note, registrations can be modified without penalty until AUGUST 31, 2023. After AUGUST 31st 2023, only partial (50%) refunds will be processed. On or after September 24th, no refunds will be processed without exception.
The Fundamentals of Regulation Workshop will appeal to anyone who is seeking to learn more about professional regulation in the Canadian context. This compact yet comprehensive program is designed to provide attendees with content that is both practical and informative, featuring presentations from experts in their respective fields in regulation.
Presentations and interactive breakout discussions will cover:
Throughout the day, attendees will also have opportunity to engage in Q & A with presenters and network with each other.
The workshop will be moderated and facilitated by Jennifer Slabodkin.
Who should attend? Past participants of this highly-rated session include staff who have been working for a regulatory body for less than three years; board/council members who wish to learn more about how to ensure public protection in the regulatory sector; those who may have relied primarily on on-the-job training to gain knowledge and skills in the area; regulators seeking to enhance their peer network; and individuals seeking a “sampler” of topics in regulation.
Lead Organization: CNAR
The Fundamentals of Regulation Workshop will appeal to anyone who is seeking to learn more about professional regulation in the Canadian context. This compact yet comprehensive program is designed to provide attendees with content that is both practical and informative, featuring presentations from experts in their respective fields in regulation. (Sold Out)
Presentations and interactive breakout discussions will cover:
Throughout the day, attendees will also have opportunity to engage in Q & A with presenters and network with each other.
The workshop will be moderated and facilitated by Jennifer Slabodkin.
Who should attend? Past participants of this highly-rated session include staff who have been working for a regulatory body for less than three years; board/council members who wish to learn more about how to ensure public protection in the regulatory sector; those who may have relied primarily on on-the-job training to gain knowledge and skills in the area; regulators seeking to enhance their peer network; and individuals seeking a “sampler” of topics in regulation.
Lead Organization: CNAR
Registrants may register for a full-day Master Class Package at $525 for Affiliates and $675 for non-Affiliates OR a half-day at $350 for Affiliates and $450 for non-Affiliates.
Please click below to read the descriptions:
Lead Organization: CNAR
This workshop will support regulators in advancing in their journeys of truth and reconciliation, recognizing that journeys are different and each is at their own place. You will learn about two-eyed seeing – the interweaving of western and Indigenous worldviews – and how to implement it in your leadership philosophy and practice, within your organizations, and the professions you regulate. The second part of the workshop will feature a panel presentation with regulators sharing about building relationships with Indigenous communities.
Opening the workshop will be an interactive education session on two-eyed seeing led by Len Pierre, CEO of Len Pierre Consulting. Len is Coast Salish from Katzie (kate-zee) First Nation. He is an educator, consultant, TEDx Speaker, social activist, change agent, and traditional knowledge keeper.
What is two-eyed seeing? This refers to the interweaving of western and Indigenous worldviews. In this session, Len helps attendees to develop or enhance their ability to interchange their professional lenses to better understand and support Indigenous peoples and programs. You will learn about what two-eyed seeing is, complemented with practical tips and tools for how to conceptualize and implement two-eyed seeing in your leadership philosophy and practice, within your organizations, and in the professions you regulate.
The second part of the workshop will feature a panel presentation about building relationships with Indigenous communities. Panelists from regulatory bodies will share the experiences of their organizations and examples of actions they have taken to build these relationships. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in Q & A with panelists.
Panelists are Joanie Bouchard, Registrar, at the College of Dietitians of British Columbia, Scott McLeod, Registrar & CEO, at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, and Alissa Schacter, Equity Officer & Policy Counsel, at the Law Society of Manitoba.
Who Should Attend? CNAR’s Master Class workshops are designed for senior executives in the regulatory community with five or more years of experience.
Lead Organization: CNAR
In the first part of the workshop, we will provide participants with an understanding of key principles, including: the source of human rights obligations and how they apply to professional regulatory organizations, what constitutes discrimination and what are “protected grounds”, what is the “duty to accommodate” and when is it triggered, and the extent to which accommodations must be provided.
In the second part of the workshop, we will review a series of scenarios designed to assist regulators in being able to identify human rights “red flags” that commonly arise in the professional regulatory context. Working in small groups, participants will engage in a discussion of the scenarios, and will practice how to identify and apply the human rights principles discussed in the first part of the workshop.
Following the discussion, the presenters will review each scenario and will provide tips regarding how to ensure that regulators comply with their human rights obligations, while still meeting their public protection mandate.
Lead Organization: Field Law
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives are designed to reduce bias and create equal opportunities, in the workplace, government entities, and even in credentialing/regulatory assessment programs. There are many areas where DE&I can play a critical role in the fairness of exams and considerations for DE&I initiatives are not limited to a single timepoint during the assessment life cycle. For instance, bias in exam content could originate from many sources, such as use of content irrelevant language, cultural nuances, and regional differences. Two key challenges for regulatory bodies related to addressing DE&I considerations are identifying and engaging key stakeholders across all exam development activities, from practice analysis to review of items and exam performance statistics.
This workshop is designed to help regulatory organizations with reviewing and assessing their approach to DE&I activities. We will walk through elements of the assessment life cycle to uncover opportunities to create greater equity in exam creation including:
We will also talk about the candidate journey and provide ways to be inclusive when thinking about testing access, including:
The purpose of this workshop is to provide participants with an opportunity to engage in a thoughtful discussion about DE&I considerations across each step in the assessment life cycle. By the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to define components of DE&I and identify DE&I considerations throughout the exam development and delivery processes. Participants will also be able to identify stakeholder groups, engage in discussions on DE&I considerations in exam development, and apply learnings to their individualized work settings and organizations. The focus will be on DE&I considerations in exam development, thoughtful SME involvement (recruitment, selection, training, engagement), and exam development processes that include DE&I considerations. The content of this presentation is applicable to all regulatory bodies across all disciplines and jurisdictions.
Lead Organization: PSI Services
Encountering conflict is a common occurrence in regulatory investigations; effectively navigating conflict is crucial for successful outcomes.
In this interactive workshop we will explore how to navigate challenges that may arise during interviews, evidence collection and interactions with registrants, complainants, and witnesses. We will explore conflict management strategies and help participants recognize their conflict management style to achieve satisfactory outcomes in moments of conflict. Participants will leave with an understanding of the types of conflict they may face throughout the life cycle of an investigation, enhanced conflict management skills and a toolkit of strategies to address conflict effectively.
This workshop will combine lecture-style presentation with interactive breakout activities to explore the following topics:
1. Difficult Interviews:
Investigative interviews can at times be emotionally charged and challenging. We will examine techniques for managing conflict during interviews, including de-escalation strategies, active listening, and building rapport. Participants will gain insight into effective questioning techniques and handling resistant or defensive interviewees.
2. Challenging Evidence Collection:
Participants will learn how to apply the techniques learned above to help manage conflict while collecting evidence. We will also explore how to maintain professionalism and neutrality while addressing conflicts that arise during evidence collection.
3. Difficult Conversations with Registrants, Complainants or Witnesses:
We will explore effective communication techniques and conflict resolution strategies when dealing with challenging individuals.
4. Exploring Your Conflict Management Style:
Participants will gain self-awareness and identify strategies for leveraging their preferred conflict management style while adapting to different situations.
5. Tips and Tricks for Achieving Satisfactory Outcomes:
Participants will explore when and how to use different conflict management strategies through real-life case studies and interactive discussions.
Lead Organization: Barker Hutchinson & Associates
Lead Organization: Benard + Associates
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives are designed to reduce bias and create equal opportunities, in the workplace, government entities, and even in credentialing/regulatory assessment programs. There are many areas where DE&I can play a critical role in the fairness of exams and considerations for DE&I initiatives are not limited to a single timepoint during the assessment life cycle. For instance, bias in exam content could originate from many sources, such as use of content irrelevant language, cultural nuances, and regional differences. Two key challenges for regulatory bodies related to addressing DE&I considerations are identifying and engaging key stakeholders across all exam development activities, from practice analysis to review of items and exam performance statistics.
This workshop is designed to help regulatory organizations with reviewing and assessing their approach to DE&I activities. We will walk through elements of the assessment life cycle to uncover opportunities to create greater equity in exam creation including:
We will also talk about the candidate journey and provide ways to be inclusive when thinking about testing access, including:
The purpose of this workshop is to provide participants with an opportunity to engage in a thoughtful discussion about DE&I considerations across each step in the assessment life cycle. By the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to define components of DE&I and identify DE&I considerations throughout the exam development and delivery processes. Participants will also be able to identify stakeholder groups, engage in discussions on DE&I considerations in exam development, and apply learnings to their individualized work settings and organizations. The focus will be on DE&I considerations in exam development, thoughtful SME involvement (recruitment, selection, training, engagement), and exam development processes that include DE&I considerations. The content of this presentation is applicable to all regulatory bodies across all disciplines and jurisdictions.
The workshop will appeal to anyone who is seeking to learn more about how unconscious bias influences decision-making and the best practices that can be adopted to address it. Drawing on recent case law and legislative changes, this program is intended to provide practical information and strategies to help regulators promote decision-making that is open-minded and free from bias.
Presented by CNAR Partner, WeirFoulds LLP
Lead Organization: PSI Services
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are currently inundating our social media fees and headlining news stories. What do these advancements really mean for you as a regulator and the professions you regulate? This Master Class workshop will help regulatory leaders better understand AI and the current landscape. You will develop an increased understanding of the issues and trends regulators need to monitor and explore some of the key issues and considerations in the application of AI to regulator’s practices and processes and in the practice of professions.
This workshop will feature content and discussions at a strategic level; a background in technology is not required.
Opening the workshop will be a presentation by Dr. Bethany Edmunds, Teaching Professor and Assistant Dean of Computing Programs for Vancouver and Seattle at Northeastern University. Dr. Edmunds will present what AI is (and is not), unpack key terms, concepts, and current issues and trends in AI and technology. Through examples and insights this session will provide attendees with a better understanding of what questions they need to ask and to which concerns they need to pay attention. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Dr. Edmunds in Q & A.
The second part of the workshop will feature a panel presentation by regulators sharing insights from their work on grappling with AI and technological innovation. Panelists will discuss key issues and considerations as well as the opportunities and challenges that AI raises for regulators. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in Q & A with presenters and with each other through small group exercises to support exploration and dialogue about AI in professional regulation and the practice of professions.
Panelists are Jan Robinson, CEO & Registrar, at the College of Veterinarians of Ontario and Scott McLeod, Registrar & CEO, at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. The panel will be moderated and facilitated by Denitha Breau, Deputy Registrar, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Who Should Attend? CNAR’s Master Class workshops are designed for senior executives in the regulatory community with five or more years of experience.
Lead Organization: CNAR
What is a regulator’s role in a practitioner’s mental health and wellness? Regulators are often uniquely placed to observe the stresses and challenges impacting a particular profession. As we learn more about mental health, regulators are asking themselves how the promotion of wellness for practitioners ties into their public interest mandate. Increasingly, regulators have taken an active role in studying and addressing systemic mental heath challenges within their profession. In the first part of this workshop, speakers from various regulators will discuss their wellness initiatives, including national studies on the health of the profession, counseling and therapy services for practitioners, and tips for sustainable practise and avoiding burnout.
A regulator’s role is also engaged when a practitioner’s mental health raises concerns that they are no longer able to practise safely. In the most serious cases, a practitioner’s mental illness can pose a risk to their clients or patients such that the regulator is required to intervene in order to protect the public. In the second part of this workshop, speakers will share their experience navigating incapacity proceedings. Participants will be encouraged to share stories and strategies for balancing a regulator’s public interest mandate with the invasive and stressful experience for practitioners. SML lawyers will then discuss the best practices for handling incapacity concerns.
In order to encourage discussion and sharing, this workshop will feature speaker presentations, breakout discussions, poll questions and more. We look forward to welcoming participants for an engaging and thoughtful afternoon.
Lead Organization: Steinecke Maciura LeBlanc
Regulating a profession or industry can sometimes feel like a game of cat and mouse, especially if you’re missing a critical purr in your decision making and planning. Insights from key stakeholders can help shape the way you regulate for the better. Discover useful frameworks and tools to untangle the cat’s cradle of opinions you’re bombarded by and effectively meet your mandate – so you can keep on being the cool cats you are. Join us as we explore methods and tools for engaging key stakeholders – The Public (Patients/Clients) & Registrants/Members. Within discussion and activities, we’ll highlight real-life examples of engagement efforts from regulators across the country to help you adapt best practice to your needs.
The Public: Patients/Clients: The profession you regulate serves the public and knowing the pulse of the public can supply critical assumptions and knowledge to better understand how to provide protection from malpractice, discrimination, and misconduct.
Registrants/Members: The power dynamics of a regulator-regulated relationship can make getting honest feedback a challenge, so we’ll explore the tools and tricks to effectively engage.
This 3-hour workshop, including breakout sessions, will foster learning in:
Lead Organization: Pivotal Research Inc.
In this interactive workshop you will learn about high-level proven evaluation methods and techniques to authenticate and evaluate international credentials in a systematic manner. This workshop will help you streamline your credential assessment process and make the most efficient and reliable licensing decisions for your institutions. Participants will hear about best practices and models which focuses on reducing barriers for internationally educated professionals.
The workshop will be led by seasoned WES experts who will share information and respond to questions based on the most pertinent topics related to credential evaluation globally.
Lead Organization: World Education Services
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Anita Wilks heads the engagement and communications function at the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP). She led the public relations and communications portfolios on the amalgamation project to create BCCOHP. Anita was formerly the Director of Strategy and Engagement at the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia (CDSBC), where she was on the project team that created and implemented the Minister-directed action plan in response to an external review by Harry Cayton. Anita’s team is responsible for all regulatory and strategic communications at BCCOHP, as well as issues management and user experience. She has 25 years’ experience as a communications professional, including a decade in public affairs and corporate communications at Canada’s largest community credit union.
Beth Deazeley, LL.B is the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario. Called to the bar of Ontario in 2002, the majority of her career has focused on governance and professional regulation. Her experience includes leadership roles and provision of professional advice to regulatory bodies at both the provincial and national level. Beth is a regular writer and speaker on governance trends and best practices, as well as regulatory matters. She obtained her Chartered Director designation from the Directors College (DeGroote School of Business) in 2013 and has experience as a board member in both regulatory and non-profit organizations.
Gillian Slaughter is the Director, Professional Conduct and Regulatory Affairs at the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, with oversight responsibility for all complaints and reports investigations, as well as discipline and fitness to practice proceedings. Over the past 10 years, she has held progressive leadership positions at three other health regulators, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario and the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. She practiced litigation at a large general service law firm, representing clients in proceedings before all levels of court in Ontario and before the CPSO. Gill is a frequent speaker about regulatory issues at national and international conferences.
Jen Slabodkin is the Director of Registration & Education and Deputy Registrar at the College of Patent Agents (CPATA) and has almost 13 years of experience in professional regulation. She provides strategic and operational leadership; is responsible for ensuring compliance with CPATA’s legislative framework in the areas of registration and education; and leads in the development of programs and strategies to ensure competence of licensees, which includes CPATA’s multi-year competence initiative, and administering the licensure process and qualifying examinations. Jen worked with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario for 5 years and in July 2015, joined the College of Denturists of Ontario as their Manager of Registration, Quality Assurance & Policy. In that role, Jen developed and implemented Standards of Practice, regulatory policies and by-laws, managed the development and administration of the Registration and Quality Assurance Programs, developed key performance metrics and program evaluation frameworks for regulatory programs, and managed key reporting initiatives including the College Performance Measurement Framework, fair registration practices, the Annual Report and health professions database submissions. She has presented hundreds of webinars, guest lectured at academic institutions and is a frequent speaker at professional association and international regulatory conferences. She graduated from the University of Toronto (2010) with an Honours Bachelor of Arts (double major economics and sociology), and from Toronto Metropolitan University (2018) with a Certificate in Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Management. Most recently she graduated from Dalhousie University with a Master of Public Administration and Management (2022) and was the recipient of the Director’s Award for highest academic achievement.
Stephanie Price, P.Eng., FEC, CAE, became Executive Vice President, Regulatory Affairs of Engineers Canada in February 2018, after having served as interim CEO for a year. In this role she leads a team that provides support to the twelve provincial and territorial engineering regulators in meeting this legislated mandate. This includes areas such as accreditation of undergraduate engineering programs in Canada, foreign credential recognition, development of guidance for engineering practice and regulation, research and national and international mobility. Stephanie has held a number of positions since joining Engineers Canada in 2009 and has contributed to several national projects including the adoption of competency-based assessment for licensure and the development of the Framework for Licensure.
Prior to her work with Engineers Canada, Stephanie spent 13 years working in the cement manufacturing and consulting industry. During this period, her work included design, project management and construction of cement plants, as well as technical support and training for operating plants.
Stephanie is a graduate of Queen’s University with a bachelor of applied science in mechanical engineering. She is a registered engineer with Professional Engineers Ontario and is also a Certified Association Executive.
Stephanie is also on CNAR’s Board of Directors, currently serving in the role of Board Chair.
Scott McLeod is the Registrar of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) – the licensing and regulatory body for Alberta doctors and the past president of the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC).
He received his MD from the University of Saskatchewan in 1993, and his CCFP in 1995 and completed a specialty in Aerospace medicine with the US Air Force in 2005. He has a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas and a Master of Public Administration from the Royal Military College of Canada.
Scott has been the CPSA Registrar since 2017. During his time with CPSA he has focused on building a strong CPSA team that has a culture of learning and continuous quality improvement that supports doctors in continuously improving the care they provide to Albertans. He also contributes nationally as the past president of the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada and is a Medical Council of Canada Councilor.
Prior to joining the CPSA, Scott spent just under 27 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, where he lead health care teams, planned, developed and executed strategic, operational and tactical level plans in a wide variety of health fields.
Scott’s particular interest is the delivery of safe, high quality health care by qualified and healthy physicians. He is committed to working with others within the healthcare system to also advance equitable healthcare for underserved and systemically marginalized populations. With CPSA Council and staff, Scott is championing CPSA’s work on anti-racism and anti-discrimination initiatives while also building authentic Indigenous connections.
Len Pierre is Coast Salish from Katzie (kate-zee) First Nation.
Len, CEO, Len Pierre Consulting, is an educator, consultant, TEDx Speaker, social activist, change agent, and traditional knowledge keeper. He has a Masters degree in Education from Simon Fraser University focusing on Indigenous curriculum and instructional design. His experience includes Indigenous education and program leadership from various organizations across colonial Canada.
He specializes in the development of educational programs and services with decolonization and reconciliation as its core values. He comes to us with an open heart and open mind, and hopes to be received in the same way.
Alissa Schacter (she/her), B.A., LL.B, was called to the Manitoba bar in 1995. She practiced family law briefly, then spent 14 years in economic development, working with various industry sectors developing and managing programs and projects, facilitating public-private partnerships, developing policy and attracting international investment. Alissa went on to start her own consulting business with a focus on communications, strategic planning and project management.
Alissa joined the Law Society of Manitoba’s Education and Competence Department in 2014. In 2018, she moved into the position of Equity Officer and Policy Counsel. In this role she leads the Law Society’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, assists in resolving concerns about lawyers relating to harassment and discrimination, presents to the profession on equity issues, and is involved in policy and outreach activities aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Alissa is a past Chair of the Federation of Law Societies Equity Network and has volunteered with a number of community organizations, including serving on the Board of her synagogue, the Manitoba Multicultural Resources Centre, and the B’nai Brith League for Human Rights.
Joanie Bouchard completed a bachelor in dietetic and a research master at the University of Montreal in Quebec, Canada. Before turning her interest to professional regulation, she worked in various healthcare facilities as a registered dietitian. She cumulates over 10 years of experience in professional regulation in two Canadian provinces. She is currently the Registrar of the College of Dietitians of BC, chair of the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies and a member of the BC Health Regulators Executive Committee. More recently, she completed a certificate in public leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and is halfway through a certificate in change management at UBC Sauder School of Business. Joanie is a strong believer in evidence-based and data informed policies in professional regulation and push for collaboration, inclusion and diversity of opinions and persons in her work. In 2021, she led a group of 11 BC health regulators in writing an apology and commitment to action to dismantle Indigenous-specific racism in healthcare, following the publication of the In Plain Sight report. One year later, she supported the same group in adopting the Cultural Safety, Humility and Anti-Racism Practice Standard, developed by the College of Nursing and Midwives of BC and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
Katrina serves as outside general counsel to professional regulatory organizations in Alberta providing advice on issues such as registration, continuing competence, unauthorized practice, and legislative drafting. Katrina regularly acts in a prosecutorial role on behalf of regulatory organizations and acts as independent legal counsel (ILC) to several tribunals. Katrina frequently represents clients in proceedings before the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench and the Alberta Court of Appeal. She also acts as counsel in various police-related matters, including third-party records applications and disciplinary matters. Katrina co-authored The Annotated Health Professions Act, with Jim Casey, QC, Greg Sim and Jason Kully, which was published by Thomson Reuters in 2020 and is a practical guide for legal counsel and regulators and includes extensive annotations, commentary, templates and flowcharts. Katrina is dedicated to empowering her clients to understand and easily apply relevant legal principles when carrying out their statutory duties. She is a regular organizer and presenter at numerous seminars and workshops for professional regulatory organizations on topics such as the discipline process, registration issues and privacy. Katrina also collaborated with the Alberta Federation of Regulated Health Professions (AFRHP) to create valuable resources for the AFRHP’s members, including a comprehensive training DVD for Hearing Tribunal members and several resource manuals for staff involved in the discipline process. In addition, Katrina advises professional regulatory organizations, public bodies, and businesses with respect to privacy issues, assisting clients to navigate their obligations under various privacy statutes. Katrina has also acted as counsel in numerous Inquiries conducted by Alberta’s Information and Privacy Commissioner. Katrina served as the leader of Field Law’s Professional Regulatory Group from 2008 2014, and as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee from 2014-2017.
Gregory Sim focuses his law practice on professional regulation, administrative law, employment law and related litigation. He represents professional and sport regulatory organizations, professionals and employers throughout Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Gregory has over 15 years of experience advising clients across many different industries, such as health care, financial services, legal, real estate, advanced education, policing, natural resources, engineering and geoscience, construction, retail and hospitality. He has represented clients before a variety of administrative tribunals and all levels of Court.
In addition, Gregory handles general civil litigation disputes. “I work to find the best possible solution and the best, most practical way to achieve it… even if it’s not litigation in the courtroom.”
Greg co-authored The Annotated Health Professions Act, with Jim Casey, KC, Katrina Haymond, KC and Jason Kully, which was published by Thomson Reuters in 2020 and is a practical guide for legal counsel and regulators and includes extensive annotations, commentary, templates and flowcharts.
Ayla Akgungor obtained her law degree from the University of Alberta in 2000. She clerked for the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench and Court of Appeal in 2000-2001 before joining the firm of Field LLP in Edmonton, Alberta. She joined the partnership at Field in 2010 and was the Practice Group Leader for the Edmonton Labour and Employment Group at Field from 2014-2022. Ayla’s practice focuses on labour and employment law, human rights and professional regulation. As part of her professional regulatory practice, Ayla prosecutes professional discipline complaints on behalf of regulatory bodies and also acts as independent legal counsel to disciplinary tribunals. She regularly provides training and conference presentations on various aspects of professional regulation. Ayla is also a member of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories and was appointed as a Vice-Chair of the Alberta Labour Relations Board in February 2019.
Jason is a partner at Field LLP whose devotes a significant portion of his practice to advising clients in the practice area of professional regulation. Jason serves as a legal advisor for a variety of professional regulatory organizations across many different professions in matters involving governance, conduct and discipline, policies and procedure, privacy, and registration. Jason is one of the authors of The Law of Regulatory Investigations in Canada, along with Jim Casey, KC and Michelle Casey, which focuses on legal issues that arise during investigations rather than during the adjudicative phase and takes a multi-disciplinary approach since the legal issues that arise across regulatory regimes are similar. Jason also co-authored The Annotated Health Professions Act, with Jim Casey, KC, Katrina Haymond, KC and Gregory Sim, which was published by Thomson Reuters in 2020 and is a practical guide for legal counsel and regulators and includes extensive annotations, commentary, templates and flowcharts. Jason believes in staying informed and frequently writes articles on recent developments in professional regulation. He has also provided training on a variety of topics.
Isabelle Gonthier, PhD, ICE-CCP, is PSI’s Chief Assessment Officer where she oversees the teams responsible for ensuring overall client and program success, including psychometrics, test development, test publishing, and data forensics across all global markets PSI is serving, as well as account management and business development within the certification market. In an executive leadership role, she draws from her 20+ years of industry experience to help define PSI’s business strategies and develop service offerings and technology roadmaps. On a client level, Isabelle is known for her keen ability to blend best practice guidance with smart innovation to set credentialing programs up for success. Isabelle has been highly engaged in advancing the testing and credentialing field, including serving as NCCA chair and psychometric commissioner, and now serving as the Chair of the I.C.E. Accreditation Services Council and as an officer on the ATP Security Committee. She has recently been elected to serve on the CNAR Board of Directors. Isabelle holds the ICE-CCP (Certified Credentialing Professional) certification, demonstrating competence across all professional credentialing activities.
Isabelle was previously Chief Assessment Officer for Meazure Learning (ProctorU/Yardstick), overseeing all aspects of the professional credentialing business. She was the President and COO of Yardstick Assessment Strategies for three years before the company became Meazure Learning.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Gonthier has managed the development and administration of large scale national licensure and certification examinations and assessment tools for various professions in the healthcare, financial, and IT sectors. She has also worked at Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC, now FP Canada) & CFP Board as Vice President of Certification and Director of Examinations, respectively. Isabelle is a high energy, sought after speaker at many industry conferences and meetings including ATP, I.C.E., CLEAR, CNAR and others.
As Senior Director of Psychometric Services, Pamela Ing Stemmer, PhD, ICE-CCP, leads a team of psychometricians and test developers that partner with their clients to develop and maintain certification exams in the healthcare, IT, and professional credentialing sectors. Her team provides support across every step of the assessment life cycle, from job analysis through accreditation support. Throughout her career, Pamela has prioritized industry engagement through annual conference presentations and committee service. She is currently the Chair of the ATP DEI Assessment Design & Science Committee Vice Chair of CLEAR’s Testing and Examinations Subcommittee for the Annual Educational Program. In addition to her work as a psychometric consultant, Dr. Ing Stemmer served as an ANAB Psychometric Assessor for the ISO 17024 standard for three years.
Laura brings a wealth of experience to professional regulators. She blends extensive health care knowledge and practical experience as a physiotherapist with years of experience as an investigator to bring clarity to complex investigations. Laura has extensive experience investigating allegations of sexual abuse, patient injury, inappropriate billing practices, incompetence, unauthorized practice, and other practice related concerns.
Laura oversees Barker Hutchinson’s operations and manages the development of policy and process. Laura is passionate about all things investigation and deeply focused on training and mentoring Barker Hutchinson’s sophisticated team of investigators. Laura enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience through training for professional regulators and speaking at conferences and professional development workshops.
Laura has a Masters of Physiotherapy from McMaster University and previously practised as a physiotherapist for 10 years, both in private practice and as the team physiotherapist with Cycling Canada.
Greg brings a wealth of investigative expertise to professional regulators. For more than 15 years, Greg has worked closely with professional regulators across Canada while conducting methodical, objective and balanced investigations.
Greg provides investigative training and workshops to professional regulators and regularly speaks at conferences and continuing professional education events. He works closely with regulators to ensure their employees have the training, skill and support needed to bring meaningful conclusions to investigations. He also assists regulators to develop investigation policy and process.
Greg is also deeply focused on building Barker Hutchinson’s sophisticated and methodical team of investigators and ensuring they have the training, skill and support necessary to produce fair, focused, efficient investigations.
Greg holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph.
Dr. Bethany Edmunds is a recognized leader in Computer Science and STEM education within North America. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Rutgers University where she researched machine learning, and is currently Assistant Dean of Computing Programs and Teaching Professor at Northeastern University’s Vancouver campus. She brings together expertise in software development, machine learning, and educational innovation with the goal of bringing understanding of artificial intelligence to people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Dr. Edmunds has been named one of BC Business’s Most Influential Women in STEM, Business in Vancouver’s Forty under 40, and YWCA’s Women of Distinction and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Artificial Intelligence Network of British Columbia.
Denitha Breau is the Registrar and CEO of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Denitha brings a depth of regulatory knowledge and experience to her role. She has more than 13 years of experience working at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, most recently serving as the organization’s Manager of Investigations and Resolutions. She is a registered nurse by profession and has a joint master’s degree in business administration and nursing. She has strong leadership skills, a strategic and systems-oriented approach, and extensive IT knowledge and experience. In her prior role as Deputy Registrar, Denitha worked closely with government and other key stakeholders, including the College’s Council and its various committees. Denitha also serves as a Director on CNAR’s Board.
Jan Robinson is the Registrar and Chief Executive Office of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, a position she began in 2012. A leader in profession-based regulation, Jan has more than 25 years of experience providing vision and direction to regulatory and public policy organizations. Jan’s key contributions include the development of a framework to establish governance excellence, implementing an accountability, risk and evidence-based approach to regulation at all levels of the organization, and leading legislative change that promotes public access and safety. As well as providing leadership at the CVO, Jan’s interests include the global mobility of professionals, developing cultures that support quality outcomes, and promoting agile legislative and standard setting frameworks. In 2021, Jan was recognized with a lifetime achievement service award by the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR). The award recognizes Jan’s leadership, vision and creativity in fulfilling the goals and objectives of CLEAR.
Anastasia-Maria Hountalas (she/her) is an associate at Steinecke Maciura LeBlanc, where she advises and represents clients in all aspects of professional regulation. She prosecutes a wide range of disciplinary and regulatory offences. Anastasia-Maria also assists clients on appeal and regularly appears before the Divisional Court and Court of Appeal.
Anastasia-Maria speaks about professional regulation at the Canadian Network of Agencies for Regulation (CNAR), SML Online Learning Series and other professional education conferences. She served on the Board of Directors of Young Women in Law as President and currently sits on the Advisory Board.
Prior to joining the firm, Anastasia-Maria summered and articled in the litigation department of a leading national law firm, with a focus on health law. Anastasia-Maria is proficient in French. Anastasia-Maria completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History at McGill University and obtained her law degree from Queen’s University.
Ahmad Mozaffari (he/him) is counsel at Steinecke Maciura LeBlanc, where he practises in all areas of professional regulation. Ahmad has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario as well as specialized administrative tribunals. Prior to joining Steinecke Maciura LeBlanc, Ahmad gained varied litigation experience at a boutique litigation firm where he practised primarily in the area of professional regulation, representing professionals in civil and regulatory proceedings as well as prosecuting on behalf of several health regulators. Most recently, Ahmad worked at a large financial institution where he maintained a broad practice including fraud, anti-money laundering and class actions litigation.
Ahmad is involved in his community and is the past President of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club.
Carolyn Gora, RN, LLB, LLM, is Director Professional Conduct at the College of Nurses of Ontario. Carolyn has a longstanding career in professional regulation working previously as the manager of public complaints and manager of the hearings office at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Before that, Carolyn practised personal injury litigation. Prior to her legal career, Carolyn worked as a nurse in cardiology and coronary care.
Carolyn is a long-serving member of the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators Conference Planning Committee. She is a former chair and member of the Health Profession Regulators of Ontario (then FHRCO) Discipline Orientation Committee. Carolyn is a graduate of George Brown College’s nursing program and the University of Windsor Law School and holds a Masters in Health Law from Osgoode Hall Law School.
Nathalie Cadieux, CRHA, has a Ph.D. from the University of Montreal specializing in the mental health of regulated occupation. Canadian leader in mental health research among legal professionals, she is a full professor in Human Resources Management at the University of Sherbrooke’s business school. Speaker and author of several international scientific publications on the mental health of professionals, she is currently leading a national research project as principal investigator on the mental health of Canadian legal professionals. Over 7,300 lawyers, paralegals, notaries, and articling students have already participated in this two-phase project entitled Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Practice of Law in Canada. This research was conducted in partnership with the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and the Canadian Bar Association. She was also the principal investigator of a project in partnership with the Barreau du Quebec from 2014 to 2019 in which more than 2500 lawyers practicing in Quebec participated.
Over the past 15 years, Naakai has committed herself to learning about the various functions of regulatory health Colleges in Ontario and how each area interconnects. Through this experience, she has become acutely aware of the numerous considerations required to move an organization forward and developed a keen interest in risk and evidence-based approaches to regulation. As the Director of the Professional Conduct department at the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, Naakai executes the strategic direction of the department, while overseeing the College’s investigation, prosecution, compliance, and unauthorized practice processes. As a member of the College’s Senior Management team, she contributes to organizational and operational decision-making, including staff and program planning, and budget development. Naakai completed the Executive Leadership Program at Rotman’s School of Management, and has a Masters of Science and an Honours Bachelor of Science.
Graeme Keirstead, KC, graduated with a law degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1991 and was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1992. He began his career in professional regulation with the Law Society of BC in 1999, where he was responsible for increasingly senior positions until he joined the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC in 2013 where he is chief legal counsel and deputy registrar. Graeme was appointed Queens Counsel in December 2021 in recognition of his leadership in the regulation of professions, his contributions to legal education, and for his service to 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, and immigrant communities and individuals. Graeme is the senior management team member responsible for the provision of all legal services, including investigations and discipline, is the head of the college for records and privacy. He is vice-chair of the Ministry of Health’s Data Stewardship Committee. Graeme is a frequent speaker on a wide range of topics from board governance to all aspects of professional regulation, is a sitting member of the CBA’s Ethics and Professionalism Committee, is an executive member of CBABC’s SOGIC subsection, sits on the CBABC’s Professional Issues Committee, and is vice-chair of the Courthouse Library BC Board. Graeme is completing a master’s in health law through Osgoode Hall law school.
Doha is the Vice President of Consulting & Chief Evaluator at Pivotal Research and the President of Pivotal Leadership. She comes with two decades of experience helping government and non-profit leaders in Canada and the United States unlock their full potential through evidence-based decision making, program evaluation, and the design and execution of strategic policy and change initiatives.
Doha is currently leading multiple research and evaluation initiatives focused on advancing healthcare outcomes across Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.
Doha is an active member of the Education Planning and Research Committees of the Canadian Network of Agencies of Regulation and serves as the Chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development and Attraction Committee. She holds a Master of Public Policy and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Johns Hopkins University.
Over her ten-year tenure with Pivotal Research, Jessica has managed complex multi-mode and mixed methods research programs and projects for clients across Canada. She combines her passion for people and strong analytical skillset to uncover impactful research insights. Jessica obtained a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Mathematics and Biological Sciences from the University of Alberta for her undergraduate education. Jessica recently completed her Master of Arts in Community Engagement through the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta.
Jessica has been responsible for administering over a dozen 360-feedback programs for healthcare regulatory bodies and authorities throughout the country. She has led numerous health research projects engaging members, registrants, patients and citizens of the public to unlock key insights for health regulatory bodies. Currently, Jessica is leading a number of research initiatives on behalf of the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals such as the Voice of the Patient and Public Program. Jessica also manages the Complaints Management Feedback Programs for The College of Opticians of British Columbia and the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario.
Shamira Madhany is Managing Director, Canada and Deputy Executive Director, World Education Services (WES). She joined WES in 2018 after more than two decades of public service. She has extensive experience working with licensing bodies, settlement agencies, and higher education and post-secondary sectors in Ontario. She served as the chief architect of several government programs that enable highly skilled immigrants to obtain employment in their fields. Shamira played a key role in the launch of WES Canada in 2000 during her tenure at the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration as Provincial Lead, Access to Professions and Trades.
Aditi has been at WES since 2011 and has a broad background in credential evaluation. She specializes in the education systems of Commonwealth countries, including India, and in the application of WES evaluation methodology worldwide. Aditi is a lead trainer for both internal staff and external workshops at conferences and education institutions in the U.S. and Canada. She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer (Mozambique, 2008–2010) and a graduate of the University of Rochester.
Joan Atlin is Director, Strategy, Policy, and Research at World Education Services (WES). In staff and consulting roles, Joan has led and executed policy and program initiatives on professional licensure and workplace inclusion of internationally educated professionals. She has participated on national and provincial level task groups related to internationally educated health professionals convened by Health Canada, Ontario Ministry of Long Term Care, and the National Newcomer Navigation Network. Joan has also served in staff roles including Director of Programs for the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council and Senior Policy Advisor on Access to Professions and Trades in the Ontario Government.
Caroline Ewen is Manager of Policy & Advocacy with World Education Services (WES). Her current work focuses on removing barriers to registration and employment for internationally educated health professionals in Canada through research, policy advocacy, and collaborative initiatives. Caroline previously worked with the Canadian International School in Amman, Jordan and The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) in Calgary, Alberta, and is a graduate of the University of Toronto Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
